Tourn RP Archive

By the beach, in a sparse stand of trees, there was a small structure built from logs. It would be helpful in sheltering from the elements. Thanks Moses and Itsuki!

(Just moving us here since Mads graced us with a chat) "It's okay. My son's a tough kid.. but I would really like to get back to him. He's still rather young, so I'm worried how he's going to take care of himself," Moses said as he stood up and helped Yeonaixho to his feet. "Do you need help walking? I see you have a cane," Moses asked. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho hummed in agreement. He could certainly relate to the feeling of worrying for a child. He was calming down now- his movements still shaky, his breaths still slightly erratic, but he was calming. "I should be fine. This is to help me get around, more than anything. I'm blind." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses nodded and stepped back to give Yeonaixho some space. "I'll walk beside you to the shelter then. Just follow me," he said and walked back towards the shelter. "There'll be a small change in terrain, but there's nothing in your path that could trip you or anything. You said you had a family, yeah? Are they being held here too?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thank you." Yeonaixho said as Moses described the terrain. "My wife and daughter, yes. From my understanding, they're on the other side." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses walked at a pace steady with Yeonaixho and gave the man a small hum in reply. "That's awful. You alone is already bad, but your entire family as well? We'll get them out. The amount of kids here concerns me as well.. I can't believe the nerve of that Rakin guy," Moses grumbled. "But.. what do you mean by 'other side'?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho nodded sorrowfully. and didn't comment on them all getting out. Right now, he didn't have the energy to be so hopeful. "All I was told is that there's another side, and my wife and kid are on it. It's... frustrating." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Hm.. perhaps this and that place are connected somehow then. That means there are even more people though.." Moses frowned. "I hope your family is safe. We're here, relatively unharmed, so the best we can hope is that they are as well. How old is your daughter, if you don't mind me asking?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Maybe so..." Yeonaixho frowned. "She's just about six months old now." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Six months?!" Moses repeated in shock. "I swear, I'm going to beat the shit out of that Rakin guy when I see him again.. bringing a baby here?? What is wrong with him?" He grumbled as they finally reached the lean shelter. "We're here. It's just a basic shelter made of logs, leaves, and sticks, but it's better than being stuck in the heat. It's slightly taller than you are, so you don't have to duck or anything. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yes, I- I'm so worried for her.." Yeonaixho wrapped his free arm around his body. He ducked into the shelter, and sat down. "Thank you. It's very nice of you to make these..." His voice grew distant. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"I'd be worried about her too—Hell, I am worried about her. A baby in a death tournament? I've been in a lot of fucked up situations in my life before, but this ranks near the top of bad things," he commented. Moses shuffled some loose sticks on the floor around to make room for Yeonaixho before taking a seat himself. "I'm going to make more soon. This was just the first I finished. Another man named Itsuki has plant powers and I asked him to make me a small grove of trees so I could chop the wood. I hope I can make a more decent shelter later on, but it's better than whatever the guys here before us made." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho could only nod in reply. This was horrible. It all was. "That's good. There's a few children, here. We'll need to keep them safe...." He sighed. "Plant powers, huh? That's... interesting. From what I can tell, this structure is well made. You did well..." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Yeah.. I've met two so far. A kid named Maki and another named Theora. Have you met even more, Yeonaixho?" Moses asked with a frown. "This kind of shelter will keep you from dying.. but I know a more sufficient kind of build that'll even keep the rain out. That will just take me a couple days."@innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I've met Theora," Yeonaixho said, "and another young girl named Nora. I'm especially concerned for her..." He sighed. "That's good. I'd offer to help out, but... I don't believe I'm all that well-equipped to." He rolled his cane in his palm. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses hummed as he wiped some more sweat off of his forehead. "So at least three kids on our side. That's already a lot.." He sighed. Though, he chuckled a bit as Yeonaixho rolled his cane. "Hey, no big deal. I'm more than enough muscle, but I'm sure you have your own talents too. I assume you have powers. What are they?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho was visibly calming a lot in Moses's presence, and in the shade of the shelter he'd created. He was getting more articulate in his speech, and he no longer trembled. His gaze was still distant and unexpressive, but that might of just been a characteristic of his. "It's worrying. Especially when some of the children are fighting each other..." "Oh, I have healing powers." Yeonaixho said plainly. "I fear that they'll be in high demand here. But it's better to have than to not. I figure you have powers too?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses noticed the small change in Yeonaixho's demeanor, but didn't comment on it. "Mhm.. It's up to us adults to watch over them while they're here. God.. some of them seem to be pretty independent, but I'm still worried," he agreed with a sigh. Moses smiled a bit hearing what Yeonaixho's powers were, at least. "A healer? Man, you're more important than I am," he joked with a small laugh. "But yeah. I do. Crystals, that's what I do. Not as impressive as healing, but it's useful." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Right. Hopefully, there's enough of us to watch over all of them." He hummed. "Oh, thank you.." Yeonaixho managed a small smile at Moses's comment. "Crystals? That does sound useful. And probably better in combat, if it's true we'll have to fight." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses shrugged and mindlessly pushed around some sticks with his foot. "It has its ups and downs. My power isn't what it used to be ever since my son was born. It's slowly being transferred to him, and I'm lucky if it's even enough to shape," he sighed. "But, it is what it is. Rakin already has had a taste of my crystals, quite literally. But I've always been more of a hand to hand kind of guy." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhmmm, that makes sense." Yeonaixho hummed in thought. "My wife and I both have powers, but we don't know if either will transfer to our daughter. We've probably got a few years before that becomes a worry, though." Yeonaixho bristled as Moses went on. "You... attacked him?" It'd be hard to tell his tone beyond surprise, but he was definitely taken aback. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"What powers does your wife have?" Moses asked with a curious look. It would probably be a 50/50 toss up on what powers their daughter got--at least, that's what Moses assumed. The firefighter than nodded, his expression tightening a bit. "I did. When he told me he brought children, I just sort of.. saw red. I just imagined 'what if my son got involved?' I couldn't just let that go. So, I attacked him. Yeah." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"She has plant powers." Yeonaixho hummed. "I figure Minerva- that's our baby- will get one of our powers, or maybe neither. We'll just have to wait and see." "Huh." Yeonaixho took that in, and thought for a moment. "I don't blame you." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Oh. She also has plant powers? Well, at least that means they won't starve on the other side," Moses said, trying to be positive. "Minerva? That's a cute name. Is there a reason?" He asked with a curious smile. Moses then waved a dismissive hand. "I like to think my violent days are pass me. I'm a firefighter now. I'm supposed to save lives... but I still think some people have a punch to their face coming for them." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yes... knowing that makes me feel a bit better about being away from her." Yeonaixho sighed. "Not really. We happened upon it, and we liked how it sounded. It means wisdom, which is nice. And it comes with the bonus of having a really cute nickname." He let out a light chuckle. "I usually try to purport nonviolence, but... he's been bringing children here..." Yeonaixho paused in thought. "I guess I just fear that lashing out will get the people I care about hurt." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses' found himself smiling and laughing along with Yeonaixho. "Ah, the true wisdom of being a baby with no worries," he joked along. "But I understand.. I wouldn't put it past Rakin to threaten harming people we love to try and get us to do what he wants. You're in a tight spot," Moses hummed. "We'll figure things you, Yeonaixho. For now, we should focus on simply surviving ourselves. There's no one left to go home to if you die first." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"That's true..." Yeonaixho sighed, and ran his hand through his hair. "God. This is all just so... fucked up." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses nodded and raised his hand to give Yeonaixho reassuring a pat on his shoulder, but stopped mid-air. "It is... but also, are you cool with pats on the shoulder? Sorry, random question, I know, but I figured you'd like a heads up before touched." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh- uh, yeah, I'm fine with it, as long as you tell me first." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Again, Moses nodded. "Okay, I'm giving ya pat on the shoulder," he said, and did just that. A nice buddy pat. "We'll figure it out. That's our jobs as adults, and as parents. We gotta make it back home, alright?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho accepted the shoulder pat, and smiled. "Right. We'll figure it out." He nodded. "I'm not going to let my family die here, or any of the other kids who got dragged here against their will." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"That's the spirit," Moses chuckled and gave Yeonaixho a couple more pats before retrieving his hand. "Also very random, but Itsuki, the guy I mentioned who helped grow these trees for me, is passed out by the trees. You mind if I go grab him real quick and drag him in here? He's under some shade already, but I figure he might as well be in actual shelter if he's gonna sleep." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh, that's fine." Yeonaixho said. "If he needs any medical attention, I might be able to help." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses stood up and stretched a bit. "I don't think he's physically injured, but I think his powers must drain him exhaustion wise. He was sleeping on the beach when I met him earlier too, so that's probably it," he hummed. "I'll be right back," he told the other man before walking out and going back to where he left Itsuki. Hopefully, Itsuki was still slump by the tree he left him by. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Well, Itsuki was gone.. But a little dark salamander with white speckles rested in his place. It's clear eyelids were pulled up and it's arms were sprawled out besides it. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"What the hell," Moses said as he saw the salamander. He crouched down in the dirt, examining the creature for a moment. "Hey, are you Itsuki?? Or a buddy of Itsuki's, little guy?" He asked the salamander, expecting it to talk or something. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

The thing just laid there. It looked kinda dry and sickly. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Well, that didn't answer Moses' question at all. Without much thought, Moses gently scooped the salamander into his hand and brought it back over to the shelter. "Hey, Yeonaixho. I think Itsuki turned into a weird salamander thing, but he's not moving," he said nonchalantly without any context. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"A... salamander?" Yeonaixho asked, sounding pretty confused. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Well, as he was taken inside, the salamander did begin to shift a bit. It's clear eyelids retracted. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah--Oh, wait, he's starting to move," Moses said as he sat down beside Yeonaixho. "He's like, a little black thing with white spots. I've never seen a salamander in person before, but he's kinda small and cute," he chuckled. "Itsuki? Are you okay?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Huh. There were a lot of salamanders where I grew up, but I've obviously never seen them either." Yeonaixho hummed. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Itsuki moved his head up to look at Moses. It was basically impossible to read the expression of that tetrapod. He began to step over to the edge of Moses' hand. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses hummed as the salamander moved and he placed his hand down by the dirt and grass. "You wanna get down, buddy? He's getting close to the edge of my hand," Moses said aloud so Yeonaixho would understand what was going on. "Do salamanders not like being held?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I don't know..." Yeonaixho hummed. He payed attention to what Moses was doing- or at least, what he could discern the man was doing. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Itsuki slithered off his hand as he was placed on the ground, and in a flash, became human again, sitting against the wooden wall. He still looked just as tired as he did before, but he managed to grin and flick some sweaty wet hair out of his face as he looked up at Moses. "What's this about ya thinkin I'm cute?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The moment Itsuki reappeared, Moses' small smile turned into disappointment. "I said the salamander was small and cute," Moses elaborated. "Itsuki, this is Yeonaixho. Yeonaixho, this is Itsuki, an amphib. Which is basically an alien." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh, uh, it's nice to meet you, Itsuki." Yeonaixho greeted politely. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Well, I still got the tail." Just to prove that be did, he wagged it back and forth. He turned his attention over to Yeonaixho and winked, totally unaware that he couldn't see it. "Hey. I'm lovin' the hair. Pretty nice." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @ajjjjjjjj (edited)

Moses rolled his eyes. "Ease off the flirting, Itsuki. He's a married man," he told the salamander. "But yeah, this is the guy who helped with making the trees around here, Yeonaixho." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho had only stammered awkwardly as he'd been flirted with, and was thankful for Moses's intervention. "Yes. I'm married." He affirmed. To Itsuki, he said. "Thank you for growing the trees." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I mean, I'm married too buuuut-" He finally relented and leaned over himself. Awful posture. "Eh, no problem. But I don't think you'll be getting much more outta me for a while. I'm tired." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"The amount you made earlier is fine. So you're free to rest for a while, Itsuki," Moses hummed, ignoring the first half of Itsuki's interests. Wiping more sweat of his forehead and neck, Moses stood up and walked over towards the front of the shelter. "Does it rain here often, Itsuki?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

Yeonaixho just stayed silent for the moment. He didn't have much to add. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Oh yeah. All the time. Usually during sunset or sundown. That's why we got the fire goin in the shack in the back. We huddle up in there if it's too shitty out. Rain comes so hard it feels like little knives sometimes." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Moses frowned at that. "I'm going to have to gather some of the palm tree leaves to block out the rain then.." He commented as he looked back to the other two. "I have to get back to making some more shelters, and now those leaves. What do you two plan to do?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I mean, if a storm starts, I can just hang out at the bottom of the stream and I'm usually safe there.. dunno bout the rest of y'all. Llinos and Tai'Tana seem to manage." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I don't think I'd fare well in a storm... and I know others who wouldn't, either." Yeonaixho confessed. "I'll help out in any way I can, though." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Not all of us are creatures that can withstand natural elements, Itsuki," Moses commented. "We have quite a few children who need to be sheltered too. Yeonaixho, by chance, did you meet anyone else who may be good with their hands as well? The more shelters we can put up, the better." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"I met a man named Nathan. He said he had clay powers, I would think that'd be useful for construction." Yeonaixho suggested. "Outside of that, I've really only met children." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yah, that's why I said 'I dunno about y'all'." Itsuki rolled his eyes. "Tai'Tana can make rocks and stuff. She's pretty good at it. Which was a bit surprising to me because she's blind- nothing against blind people- he's just really good at building without being able to see it." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Mm.. clay and rock powers. That would be useful," Moses nodded. "Those would support the wood quite nice. I didn't catch Tai'Tana's powers earlier, but I wonder if they'd be willing to help," he hummed. "Well, I'm going to head out. Stay in the shelter as long as you two like. I'll be coming and going, so if you want to talk still, just kinda shout or something. I'll reply," Moses said as he stepped out. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Good luck!" Yeonaixho called out to Moses as he left, but fell silent soon after. He didn't exactly know what to talk about with Itsuki. @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽 @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

After Moses was out of earshot, Itsuki leaned in closer toward Yeonaixho. "There's like, no chance between us, right?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho leaned away from Itsuki as he neared him. "No chance between- you and Moses?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"You and me. I doubt you can read his mind." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh- absolutely not. I'm married. I have a kid." Yeonaixho shook his head. "Nope. Never." @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Okay. Well then I'm gonna go." Itsuki sighed and pushed himself up to his feet. "Good luck finding your wife and kid or whatever." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Uh, alright." Yeonaixho didn't protest Itsuki leaving. "Stay safe out there, I guess?" @Mads|Madison📱+Aldreda🔥+NPCS👽

"Yeah, thanks, you too." Itsuki said and stepped out of the shelter. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

After walking around for quite a bit of time, Celena came upon the mighty lean shelter. She looked over it curiously and glanced around to see if anyone was nearby. Hesitating, she called out. “Hellloooo..?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho had been resting in the shelter, but sat back up when he heard someone approaching. "Hello?" He greeted. "It's just me in here." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Oh- Hi, sorry if I’m- Intruding-..” Celena spoke somewhat awkwardly. She peeked inside of the entrance. “Am-.. Are you one of the people who got transported here, too?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh, you're alright," Yeonaixho had made space in the shelter for Celena, if she wanted to come and sit inside with him. "I was just resting here..." He sighed. "Yes, I was teleported here." He nodded solemnly. "I think we all were. My name is Yeonaixho." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Yeah, it’s good to get out of this heat, it’s way too hot,” Celena didn’t make a move to enter the shelter, though. She’d wait until she was properly invited inside. “Alright, just making sure- I wasn’t sure if there were already people living here or not,” She sighed. “It’s nice to meet you, Yeonaixho, I’m Celena.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It is." Yeonaixho said, noticing how Celena didn't yet enter. "Would you like to come inside? It's a bit nicer in here than it is in the sun..." "It's good to meet you too, Celena." He hummed. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Ohm- Sure, thank you,” Celena stepped inside of the shelter. The shade instantly made a difference. “Oh man- Thank you, it already feels so much cooler.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho let out a gentle chuckle. "It does, doesn't it? The weathers almost nice when you aren't in the sun. It usually gets this hot in the summers around where I live, so I'm at least a little used to it..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I’m a big fan of the heat,” Celena took a seat a respectable distance away from Yeonaixho. “But the sun feels different when you’re on a beach and surrounded by sand. I’m not too crazy about it.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"True... I'm not a huge fan of it, myself." Yeonaixho hummed. "Especially when the sun's as bright as it is here. It messes with my eyes." He waved a hand vaguely in front of his face. "Where're you from?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Celena paused. That was always a good question. “I’m-.. Not really from anywhere, if I’m honest,” She responded somewhat awkwardly. “My, uhm-.. Village is no more, so I’m from nowhere. I know that’s a bit grim, but that’s kinda how it is for me. Uhm, where are you from..?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh," Yeonaixho's voice lowered to a concerned, somber tone. "So... I assume you travel around? How old are you?" Celena certainly sounded young. "I live in the South Loucari, with my family. It gets pretty hot, but it's nice there. But- still, I have to ask, are you doing alright?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I got myself a little place in a quiet town, I stopped traveling a good while ago.” Celena shifted slightly. Her age was another complicated topic. “I’m- Eighteen, but-.. I’ve been eighteen for a pretty long time now. It’s a bit complicated, but- I’m doing okay.” Celena tilted her head slightly. “South Loucari? That doesn’t sound too familiar to me.. What’s it like there, aside from the heat?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"As long as you're staying safe..." Yeonaixho sighed, but only seemed more confused and concerned as Celena went on. "Eighteen for... a while. Okay. I won't pressure you to talk about it if you don't want to talk about it, I won't pressure you to. As long as you're safe." He sighed, and went along with the change in topic. "Yes... you might've heard of the Loucari? It used to be a colony of it. It's been free for about... eighty years now, I would say? Anyways, it's pretty nice. Tropical. Jymaiyri and I live in a small city, but there's a few bigger cities around the islands. And a lot of rural areas too. Rice farms, fruit, all sorts of stuff. It's pretty nice." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Yeah, it's a bit- Complicated, but I'm safe." When Celena spoke, it didn't feel quite- Genuine. It just felt like words she had repeated constantly through the years. 'I'm safe, I'm fine, I'm okay.' "I'm all good." "Huh, it sounds nice," Celena managed a small smile. "I've always really liked smaller areas like that, with the farmlands and crops. It always reminds me of what home used to be." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho picked up on the dissonance between Celena's words and her tone, but did not pressure her on it or ask any questions. Still, he was concerned. "I'll trust you on that." He hummed. "It is nice. I'm very glad to call it my home. You said you'd settled in a small town for a while? What's that like?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"It's a nice little place. It's quiet, nothing really happens there. There's a lot of family owned businesses and a farm not too far out from where the town is, so a lot of our produce comes from there. It's- Nice. I like it a lot." Celena hummed. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It's nice, to live somewhere where nothing ever happens." Yeonaixho nodded. "That sounds very pleasant. I'm glad to hear you like where you live." He hummed idly. "A shame, that we both had to leave it all behind..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Mmhm, it makes things a lot more comfortable." Celena managed a small smile. "Thank you, I'm glad that you like where you live, too. You said you have a family, right? What are they like?" Her smile flickered. "Yeah, it really is.. I hate that we were forced here and now we're forced to fight other people. I can hardly believe it still." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yes, I do live with my family." Yeonaixho smiled, though it was clearly forced, and he could only keep it up for a moment. "My wife, Jymaiyri, and my daughter, Minerva." He didn't say much more, not yet. "It really is. I'm not a fighter in the slightest, my powers are healing based. I don't know why I was chosen for this..." Well, given the conversation he'd just had with the host, he could think of at least one idea. "- but I'm here. We're all stuck here." His disdain and fear were evident in his voice. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“That’s nice, you have a little family in a nice area,” Celena managed another smile. “I’m happy for you. Family’s a beautiful thing.” “Healing powers? I kind of have healing abilities, too. Though, I can also use my powers offensively,” Celena shifted slightly. She pulled her knees close to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. Her chin rested comfortably on top of her knees. “I wish none of us were here.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It is nice." Yeonaixho put his hand over his mouth, trying to hide how he couldn't keep up a smile. "I... miss them very much." He sighed, then listened as Celena described her powers. "Oh, you can heal too? That's really good, actually. The more people around who can heal, the better." He nodded. "I do too. But... we'll find our way out of here. We'll all get to go home." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I’m sure they miss you, too,” Celena pulled her knees a bit closer to her chest. “I’m sure they’re waiting for you.. I hope you can go home and see them soon.” “Mhm, I can heal. I’ve gotten pretty good with it, it’s mostly what I use my powers for these days.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I'm sure they do." Yeonaixho said. It was clear he was having a difficult time talking about this. "Mhmm. That's good." Yeonaixho hummed. "My powers are only good for healing, so that's obviously what I use them for. What else can you do with your powers, if you don't mind my asking?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sensing his discomfort now, Celena decided not to comment further on that topic. “I don’t mind at all,” Celena spoke. “I can use them to heal, but I can also attack. My powers are light- Or, more like sunlight these days. I can shoot out beams of sunlight and make little orbs with them to send out as an attack. I don’t really fight with them often though, if I’m honest.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Light based attacks... huh, that sounds impressive." Yeonaixho nodded. "I get the feeling offensive abilities will have their uses here. It is a tournament, after all..." He sighed. "It's good you have a way to defend yourself." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“It- Sounds impressive, but honestly, it’s not all that special,” Celena shifted once more. “I wish that you had a way to defend yourself.. I hope that whoever you have to fight against will be nice.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Well, I don't know too many other people with powers, so it's impressive to me." Yeonaixho shrugged. "I hope so too. I... really hope so." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Oh, well- Thanks.. You’re the first person I’ve met who has healing powers, too, so that’s kinda nice for me.” Celena hummed. “I hope they’re nice. Maybe they’ll even come to an agreement with you and the fight doesn’t really have to happen.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh, thank you." Yeonaixho smiled. "Hmm... that would be nice, to be able to come to an agreement. I wonder when we'll learn who we've been put against... hopefully some time before the fights actually start." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“That’d be nice. Then, maybe we can build up some kind of game plan if we need to be defensive.” Celena nodded. “It’d be nice to prepare soon.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho hummed in agreement. "Yes. The more prepared we are, the better." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Yeah, way better,” Celena paused. “Have you ever-.. Been in a fight before?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I've not." Yeonaixho shook his head. "Closest I got was a few scruffs in high school, but even then, no one really wanted to pick on the blind guy. I'm... very out of my comfort zone, here." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I’m a bit rusty, but I know how to fight,” Celena spoke quietly. “I don’t know if I’d be a good teacher, but maybe I can teach you how to defend yourself a bit..?” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Really? I would appreciate it." Yeonaixho laughed awkwardly. "Anything you could teach me would be appreciated..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Yeah, no problem, I can do that.." Celena nodded. "I'd be happy to lend a hand where I can." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"That's very kind of you," Yeonaixho smiled, and shifted slightly towards the shelter's door. "Would it be okay if you showed me some things now? I mean, no real point in putting it off..." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Oh! Yeah, yeah, we can- Do that now," Celena quickly got up to her feet. "Sounds good." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Alright! I'm not all too familiar with this place yet, or what would be a good place to train, so I'll let you lead the way." Yeonaixho led her out. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Oh," Celena paused. "I haven't been to too many places either, if I'm honest. I spawned in here not too long ago, I've only been to, like, a few places. Uhhh- One of the common areas seemed pretty okay. Wanna try that out? There's hammocks there that we could relax in afterwards, too." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I've only been here a while, either. I spawned in on a bridge." Yeonaixho reminisced. "The common area sounds good, though." He nodded. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Alrighty, let's head over there, then!" Celena managed a small smile. She headed out of the lean shelter and began to lead the way towards the common areas. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho followed Celena over to the common area! yippee! @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I'm pretty sure this is the right place..." Yeonaixho hummed as he brought Nora and Nathan over to the shelter. "Moses built this earlier- I was telling you about him, Nora. This should keep us protected from the rain." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Hey, ho, not bad," Nathan hummed, lightly touching the wood. "Looks like we'll be alright from the rain. I can put my jacket o'er it for a bit extra protection if we need it later." He didn't want to mess around too much with this shelter, specially since he didn't make it. It was pretty nicely tucked away though, with a bunch of leaves up above. He could use the leaves to do something, maybe. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora rubbed her fingers on the jacket as she followed, still hanging once they arrived. “I can, um, I can.. make a blanket to, um, go on top. That way.. the rain can’t get in.. any holes.” She looked up at Nathan. “Um, when do.. when will the rain come? I will.. try to be.. fast.” @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Mhm, that's a good idea." Yeonaixho said to Nora. "We can gather up some palm leaves for materials, that way no one has to sacrifice their clothes for weather protection." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Hey, nice one, Nora!" he said, a flicker of a grin on his lips. "Um, dunno when the rain'll come. Sky's just kind of cloudy and it's gotten colder, but hopefully we still have time? It's alright if y'don't manage to finish, though." "That's what I figured too," he hummed. "I'll go searching for some leaves and stuff, you guys can hang inside if you want." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

“Okay. I’m gonna- I’m gonna start… working now.” She smiles back and lets go of his sleeve, moving to sit under the shelter. She begins her work, pulling out long threads of red string. The thread occasionally sticks to her fingers, hands still sticky from fruit. She weaves together the threads, magic working pieces together. Rocking happily as she works. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

Yeonaixho followed Nora into the shelter and sat beside her. "If you need any help, I've got some experience sewing. Otherwise, I'll leave you to it." He hummed. @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

“Mhm. Um…” She looked up from her work for a moment. “The leaves… um.. mm. The blanket.. will get wet.. but, um.. the leaves shouldn’t get wet. So.. can I have some leaves..? I can.. try to sow them.. into the blanket. Then it won’t.. water can’t get in.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

During the time Nora and Yeonaixho had settled down inside the little shelter, Nathan had been gathering some palm leaves on the ground. Returning with an armful of them, they light rapped against the wood. "You needed leaves?" they asked, kneeling down at the entrance and offering the leaves. "I got a good buncha them, I think. You just keep working your magic, buddy. There's just like, a good bunch of big ole' leaves laying around, but I could get them from the trees if y'want." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh, thank you, Nathan!" Yeonaixho smiled as Nathan returned. He turned to Nora. "Do you think these will be enough?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

“Mhm! Um- thank you!” She seemed very happy, it was clear in her voice and her smile. She took the leaves, continuing to weave together thread. The blanket was steadily growing bigger. She continued to rock, completely focused on her work. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Nathan settled down outside of the little lean shelter, not too bothered by the cool(er) air. Not wanting to disturb Nora from her work, they simply watched her rock and weave. She was stupid fast- but a little question lingered in the back of their mind. They'd save that for later. At ease with this little moment of peace they've found themselves in, Nathan took the time to rummage through his pockets and unload the fruit he had stored away from the farmlands. "Here, peach," he whispered, lightly tapping Yeonaixho's hand with the fruit as he set a mango near Nora. "I got like, a bunch of peaches and mangoes for us." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho simply let Nora work in peace, not wanting to disturb her focus. He was at ease, for now. "Oh," he startled a bit as Nathan placed the peach to his hand, but took it. "Thank you, that's very thoughtful of you." He hummed. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She continued to steadily work, but got caught on figuring out how to integrate the leaves. The mango distracted her further. She grabbed at it possessively. But her fixation on wanting to finish led her to set it back down. She returned to her work, continuing to expand the blanket. It was getting close to finishing! @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Nora seemed to be speeding along with the blanket. Sinking his teeth into the fruit, he cleanly tore off a ribbon of skin from the peach. "No worry," he said, peel between his teeth. "Fuit good." Maybe he could get some crabs for the little group later. Fruits and veg were good and all, but c'mon, they needed a liiittle bit of protein, too. "D'you eat crabs?" he asked Yeonaixho, setting the peel in a growing pile. "I might head out a little later, get some, scout the area, find someone, y'know the drill. But, uh, if you're allergic to crabs, I'll like, definitely avoid them." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Yeonaixho bit into his peach, savoring its sweetness. Even with the stress of the situation, he found himself at peace in this moment. "Oh, I'm vegetarian, actually." Yeonaixho said, "but if you two want to get crabs, that's fine by me." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

Nora was making great progress on that blanket! It was now about as big as the shelter, with some looser threads so it could be tied to the top. The collected leaves were sowed into the blanket to make it a bit waterproof. With that, it was finished! “I’m- I’m done! Um..” The weather had definitely worsened since she last looked up. “..um, the sky.. looks bad.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

"Nooo crabs for you then, no worries," he hummed, taking another bite of his peach. "I'll grab them later, hopefully before the rain gets too awful." At Nora's completion of the blanket, Nathan smiled, flashing a little thumbs up at her. "Nice, it looks great! I can help you tie it on top, if you want." He frowned a little, brows knitted together in thought as he looked up at the sky. "Yeah, it's all gh'nasty now," he commented, nose wrinkling. It definitely got worse. And it felt worse, too. Not as simple and plain as a thunderstorm, though. Just worse. "Uh, like, a lot nastier than it was when we got here. Damn." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

"It looks good, Nora!" Yeonaixho laughed a bit, and ran his hand over the edge of the blanket to feel it. He shivered, hummed in thought. "It is getting pretty windy... the shelter might not hold up in this weather. Maybe we should head further inland..." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She beamed at the praise, running her hands over her work happily. “It can, um, keep us.. warm! When it’s.. windy.” She pulled the blanket a bit closer. “Mm.. I don’t.. I don’t wanna be in a storm.” As nice as the little shelter was, there weren’t exactly.. real walls, or floors, or a roof. “Is there.. somewhere else we can go?” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yeah, definitely. And we won't be as soaked when the rain comes." Where did she get all this yarn from? Magic certainly wasn't infinite- was it? "Your magic is frickin' cool as hell, Nora." Nathan pushed himself to his feet with a hum, tossing the peach lightly in his hand as he squinted out at the beach and the endless sprawling land beyond. Artificial. "We should move inland, yeah," he agreed. "Agh, I'll take you guys to the building I was dropped into earlier. It was a little ways off the hammocks place we were at before. Broken, run down, crummy, but it's inland and we have the blanket now." "D'you guys wanna go there?" he asked, leaning over a little to peer inside the shelter. "Might not be as...homey. As here. But there's a little firepit there." @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"If you think it'll hold up better in a storm, it'll be worth it. I mean no disrespect to Moses, but I don't know if this shelter will survive very long in harsh conditions. It's better to be safe than sorry." Yeonaixho hummed. "What do you think, Nora?" He asked. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She smiled even bigger at that. “Hee.. cool..” She’s cool?!! She picked up her mango, debating whether to eat it now or wait until they moved.. “Does it have… a real roof and.. walls? I don’t- I don’t wanna get.. wet from the rain.” @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It's...kinda? Yeah? It's all kinda run down and awful though. It might still have a roof, I think." "You can keep the blanket if you want," he offered. "You made it and all. And it could keep you dry and all cozy, alright?" @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It could be worth it..." Yeonaixho hummed uneasily. As the weather worsened, his priorities had shifted towards keeping everyone safe. "I think we should check it out, at least. We can always come back here if we decide it's not worth it." @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ @Sauce | Nora🧶+Lykos🐺

She nodded along. “Okay. We should… check it out.” She started to gather up her blanket. (edited)

7:23 PM

@innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Mhm," Nathan hummed munching on his piece of peach as he jerked a thumb where the building was. "Follow me, it's not that far off." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

(we walkin)

(walkin

‍♀️

‍

)

heyyy besties Isabelle is here for some shelter so Mads doesn't kill her.

Kevin wanders in, shaking his head to rid it of the sand and leaves that had gotten into his hair. The moment he noticed the worsening weather he went to the closest area of shelter he could find.

fell asleep before i could put mallon here lol they’re here now

It was not much, but it was better than being left to the elements. Hopefully this would stand against whatever storm was currently brewing outside. At least the menacing weather was keeping the sun from beating down on Cane; that was a positive. Still, he could not help but have a bad feeling. Add that to the list of everything else that had gone wrong for the masked Ser so far.

Maki wandered in as well. They did not wanna be caught out in the storm. Scary.

( @Twig | Kiran + Riki I’m just going to put Calamity and Kiran here lol )

1

Aaaaand Kiran would make it to the shelter well before Calamity did, though the demon looked rather delighted at her loss. “Hah! Good job,” she congratulated Kiran, offering them a fanged grin. “Well, now all we have to do is wait out this storm!” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Yeah..." And oh boy what a storm it was. Kiran's scale-like fur clumps bristled up in sharp ridges. That would be prickly against any poor person who was pressed against their backside in the tightly packed shelter. Kiran's eyes were open wide as they listened to the roaring wind and crashing and smashing sounds outside. They breathed very heavily and shook violently, curling up into a tight ball. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

"Is that it then?" Cane could not help but ask as the noise died down. For a moment there, he thought that this was going to be the end of him. Abducted and dumped on a random planet, left to the elements, crushed by a stray storm. That did not exactly sound like the kind of death that would get him pull in the afterlife. The walls of the shelter were still bowing in, threatening anyone who dared to try and squeeze by without ducking, lest they bump their head. Still, the lack of water dripping in gave him hope that the worst was past them.

After a while, the storm had finally calmed down, the worst of it definitely over. It had been rather nasty, for even the demon had to admit that even Hell’s weather was nothing like what her side of the maze had been put through. Once she was sure the storm was fully gone, she lightly tapped Kiran on the shoulder with her clawed hand. “Hey you, good news!” she didn’t elaborate, but her tail did point to the outside, just in case they were still lost. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

CW: war Kiran was somewhere else entirely during the storm. In their mind, the sounds of breaking branches and smashing fruit turned into the screams of the wounded, projectiles falling. The roll of thunder turned into explosions shattering homes and land. Their whole world was falling apart again. No matter where they ran, how fast they tried to get away... how could you outrun ships that filled the whole sky? It was over, it was futile. Kiran could feel the ground quaking from the footsteps of giants, drawing closer to their hiding place.... Kiran jolted when Calamity tapped their shoulder. They gasped sharply and turned towards them. Reflexively, their tail whipped out, and the thicker tip slashed at Calamity's face with the prickly side. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien (edited)

“Ah!” Calamity lurched back (well, as much as she could in the amount of space she had), a small gash forming across her face where Kiran’s tail had made contact. Apart from her initial surprise, she didn’t appear phased by it, even as it drew blood. “Sorry Kiran, didn’t mean to startle you,” she hummed, frowning slightly. “Are you okay?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran was still shaking and breathing irregularly, staring at Calamity with wide eyes. They didn't seem to be fully processing the actual situation they were in, or even the fact that the scratch on her face was caused by their own tail. They blinked, and turned their head robotically to look around the shelter, and was visibly confused by the mass of people inside. The small sounds that left their throat were akin to those that a large, scared bat might make. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien (edited)

Calamity met Kiran’s eyes, then blinked slowly. She made no movement other than that- that was, until she spoke. “Hey you, the storm’s over… you’re safe.” she said softly, her voice not going above a whisper. Noticing the confused look they gave the other people huddled into the shelter, she quickly added on. “Everyone else is here for that same reason, I’d assume.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran's breathing slowly eased, though it was still rather heavy. They turned back to look at Calamity when she spoke, and was focusing on her better. They blinked again, and shook their head intensely, their mane fluttering. Then they said something quietly, though their translator didn't pick that up. Judging by how they slapped themself in the face at the same time, it probably was something frustrated. "I should have shut myself down... that wasn't fun", they mumbled. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Hm?” Calamity titled her head to the side, eyes widening slightly as Kiran slapped themself. “Shut yourself down? You can do that?” her tail curled to form a little question mark. “It did seem that you went into some sort of shock, though- had me a little worried. You doing okay now?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"I can, yeah..." They glanced up at Calamity again. "...I guess I'm fine..." They looked at the scrape on Calamity's face, and frowned a bit. Then, they brought their tail under their nose to inspect it, and saw some blood on it. "Did I do that?" @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“That’s pretty cool.” Calamity gave them a small nod, then traced her finger over the scratch, which had already clotted. The minimal blood that stained her face was… a dark pink instead of the recognizable crimson. “Ah! Yeah, your tail came up and gave me a little scratch, but honestly, I didn’t feel it. And even if I did, it’s totaaally fine. You didn’t mean it- though once again, I wouldn’t care if you did.” she gave Kiran a small smile, followed by a giggle. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Hm... okay", Kiran muttered, but seemed a little guilty. They turned their focus on their tail and started scratching the dried blood off their fur. "Mmh, sorry, anyway. If I was alive I could seal that, although, I guess it wasn't bleeding badly..." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Don’t worry about it! Really!” Calamity chirped. “Hang on- you’re… not alive? I never would’ve known!” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Well, not really, kind of, it's... hm. I don't know. I'm not organic anymore, at least. I'm barely alive if anything", Kiran muttered, and shrugged. It was hard to put in words the messy feelings he had about his identity and self-image. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Oh! So a lot of what makes up your body mimics the organic material, then. That’s neat!” Calamity quickly eyed Kiran up and down, and still would never have been able to guess. “Is there a reason that changed? You don’t have to tell me of course, I’m just curious.” she hummed, her tone genuine. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"I died", Kiran replied bluntly and shrugged. "My, mm... someone gathered the bits and pieces that were left of me, and built me this body. It's mostly metal", they knocked on their chest, making a metallic thunk, thunk sound. "They brought me back." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien (edited)

“Wow.” was all Calamity could say for a few moments as she processed Kiran’s story. Something like that was rather unheard of to the demon- usually when she met the dead, well, they’d be dead with no hope of leaving her domain. “So you died once, yet you’re still kicking… woah, that’s remarkable! Is it something you’re content with? Being brought back, that is.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran seemed rather uncomfortable with the question, shifted a little and hugged their knees with their long arms, looking away with a frown. Their tail curled up around them and the tip tapped the ground. "...I... yes... and no... I'm... still scared of the death... but living like this... it's...." they closed their eyes and let out a frustrated breath, hiding their snout behind their knees. "I shouldn't have been brought back... I don't... it's not right", they mumbled. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Calamity reached out and gave Kiran’s knee a gentle pat. The demon thought for a second before speaking again. “Hm… that’s a tough one. Maybe you shouldn’t have been brought back, but you’re here now, right? Might as well keep going. I’m sure there are complications that make existing as you do less than ideal, but you’re still persevering and making it work.” she gave Kiran’s knee another pat, hoping to have at least comforted them the tiniest bit. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran sighed, frowning slightly, getting a bit of their usual annoyed look back. Why were they even talking about this to a stranger? They opened their eyes but glanced away. There were a lot of things they could say. They could try to explain how it felt, that they weren't even sure who they were anymore, or that their existence was not a blessed one, but cursed. They could tell about their guilt... Yet they said nothing. They had already said too much. "Whatever..." they mumbled. They lifted their head a bit, seeing that a lot of the people had left the shelter, and it was about to fall on the last people in there. They let out a huff, and flattened against the ground, starting to crawl out. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Comforting someone definitely wasn’t Calamity’s strong suit, but she didn’t expect Kiran to leave about it… …No, she did not notice that the shelter was very much caving in. “Hey, where are you going?” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Getting some breathing room. The roof's coming down", they replied. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Oh?” The demon looked up, and to her surprise, the shelter did not look like it was going to stay up for much longer. “You’re right! Let’s get outta here.” she too began to move out of the shelter. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran crawled out of the shelter and paused just outside, taking in the mess the storm had made. "Wow... Crap, I guess it's good I didnät try to sleep in a tree." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Calamity too, surveyed the wreckage. “Yeahhhhh, glad I found you when I did! Hope those trees we saw earlier are still standing…” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Yeah, hopefully", they murmured. They scanned the fallen branches and fruit, before looking up at the sky. Something about the storm felt... off, somehow. "Do you think that was natural?" they mused. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Calamity shook her head. “Nah, couldn’t be. I mean… being here, anything could happen, but I want to think it’s deliberate. More fun that way!” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Huh. Well I'm glad one of us is having fun", they huffed, almost amused. "Do you think this is how the what's-their-face plays with us?" @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Oh you bet!” Calamity did a little twirl amongst the wreckage, her wings and tail extending as she did so. She seemed quite overjoyed about no longer being in the too-small shelter. “Honestly, I dunno. I don’t think Rakin plays at all- I wonder if it’s more of an obligation. Like, ’yes boss, I’ll put the horrible torture storm over the beach, I gueeeeeess’.” she drawled, mimicking Rakin’s voice to the best of her ability while her movements became drawn out and droopy, to really sell the imitation. Once she’d gotten her mileage out of it, her posture returned back to normal, and she shrugged. “When I met him, he didn’t really seem like the type to take joy in something like this. He was treating it more like an obligation, or a minimum wage job.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

Kiran snickered at Calamity's Rakin imitation. "Yeah, I can see that. I was more so talking about Rakin's owner, though. The Amiral Pin or whatever it was." They brushed off the soft fake fur on their front, before standing up and shaking themself off. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien (edited)

That sounded familiar… “Oh! That Alrai Pin guy! Rakin mentioned him in passing to me- I didn’t get any juicy details though. I’m assuming they would have to be on board with this whole situation, sooooo it’s probably safe to say they were behind this.” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Yeah, I mean, he told me I was the Alrai guy's toy now so", they shrugged. "Figures. I got the impression that this is some sort of entertainment for the eccentric and powerful Alrai Pin, but after talking to some others, there might be more to this than that. Although, I find it hard to believe. And entertainment is definitely part of this. A cock fight, fun to see us tear each other apart. Yippee", Kiran said with the most unenthusiastic and monotone voice their voice producer could muster. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Yippee!” Calamity echoed, her enthusiasm countering Kiran’s. Though right after her exclamation she immediately frowned, indication that her declaration wasn’t as serious as it seemed. “Listen, I looooove a good orchestrated bout of entertainment- cock fights included- buuuuuut it does seem like this Alrai Pin is trying to revive some sort of dead species… with what? No clue, but I’m sure the heightened confusion and tension is working in their favor.” Damn, if only she’d thought of that! “I was told that I’m like, this game’s ‘wild card’ of sorts, though I’m much more interested about this title of ‘toy’… did he tell you what that meant?” she tilted her head to the side. @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"You heard about that too? Hm. How can one 'revive a dead species'? Sounds like a bunch of nonsense to me. But someone here had some info on the species, though. Pilarians. I only know them from a program they used to air years ago..." Kiran hummed. The lerava looked at Calamity with mild curiosity when she told what Rakin had called her, but frowned and shrunk back slightly when she asked her question. "Hrmf..." they looked away. "I mean, I figured we're all toys to them, here", they replied, somewhat evasively. @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

“Oh, you’ve heard of them before! That’s quite helpful, actually. What kinds of things did that program tell you?” Calamity’s tail began to swish back and forth as she inquired. “Hmmm, maaaaaybe, though I refuse to be a toy to those losers. Sure I’m here, buuuuuut…” she paused for dramatic effect. “…I’m sure I’m subverting their expectations quite a bit,” she winked, not further elaborating. “There’s obviously gotta be something about every single one of us that makes us worth something to Alrai Pin and their cohorts, though…” @Twig | Kiran + Riki

"Not a lot about pilarians, it was more a documentary about the species they made. But Cane told they're a war-loving, destructive and violent species that were supposedly destroyed some time ago", Kiran replied. Kiran hummed and the corner of their mouth got tugged into a faint smirk. "Good on you. We love an anarchist." Kiran sighed, and kicked a half of a coconut. "Maybe. I can see how you are unique, and... I can see how I am, too. But what do they need from us, I don't know." @Morgan | Calamity + Julien

Ipapel walked into the miniscule shelter, her eyes falling on Errol, who was still out. She sighed as she fell to her knees beside him. At least it looked like he was still breathing.

The ground shifted underneath the weight of a sizable person easily giving away their presence before a word was uttered. Slowly, a shadow grew on the wall beside Isabelle, creeping up the wall until it looked like a lighthouse stretching up toward the sky looking down over the two earthlings. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

She noticed the shadow almost immediately, clutching the statue in her hand. Although the presence did feel... familiar. She turned around, hiding the statue from view, ready to strike in case she was wrong. @Scream | Cane + Uly

It was Cane. His yellow eyes peered out through the holes in his mask taking in the scene before him. The golden stare briefly darted to the statue before returning to lock with Isabelle's. After a brief, awkward pause, he took another step toward Isabelle, then another, then one more until he had bridged the gap between the duo. With a hand placed on his thigh, Cane lowered himself down to one knee; down to the human's level. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Isabelle put the rock down. "Cane." Her eyes welled up as she looked at the fishman. "I got her killed, Cane. I wanted to find her, but not like this. " Tears fell as she hunched over Errol. @Scream | Cane + Uly (edited)

Cane’s hand cautiously found its way onto Isabelle’s shoulder, if nothing else to hopefully provide an anchor of comfort. He would remain still and silent, just as his mask portrayed. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"I..." Isabelle fell silent. What could she possibly say that she hasn't already. "Do you think we can actually go home?" @Scream | Cane + Uly

Cane pondered Isabelle’s plea, rolling it around in his brain briefly before answering. “We need to get you and your friends out of here.” His voice quiet, but stern, seeped out of the corners of his face guard. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Isabelle sniffled. She wasn't going to dispute his attempt, seeing as it was the only comfort she had right now. "This is different from last time. There is no dungeon, there is no torture, if you lose, you die. Plain and simple." @Scream | Cane + Uly

What kind of situation were they in that torture was a healthy alternative? Cane would have to debate that with himself later. “All the more reason to get you both back home. If we were brought here one way, there has to be a way to travel out. It only makes sense.” @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Isabelle couldn't help but sigh. "Right..." "There's something you need to know Cane. After the fight, they teleported me into another place. Talked to me." @Scream | Cane + Uly

The shelter. Maki practically burst into here once the fight was over. They ran their hands, down their mask, trying to control their breathing as it came out in ragged breaths. Fuck. They stumbled around the area before they dropped to their knees, burying themselves in a pile of blankets. Fuck the heat, they needed this at the moment. Too anyone who walked in...they would see just...a lump of blankets on the floor...how odd. @aj

At this revelation, Cane tilted his head slightly; he did not like the tone of Isabelle's voice. Given their current circumstances, the two unlikely captives had been able to lean on one another for support, but after seeing what had just occurred, his foundation was weakened. "What are you trying to communicate..?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Isabelle stood up, dusting the sand off of her pants. "If you,,, win, You get a few things. I managed to get some information out of it. If you are willing to hear it." @Scream | Cane + Uly

When Isabelle stood, Cane stood with her, pulling his hand back as he did so. "Why would they bother giving you anything if you are going to die at the end of all of this?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"I don't... know, closure?" Isabelle shrugged. "They told me as a reward for 'winning' I was allowed three things. I think the most important is a question. He said I could ask about anything in the universe. Figured it was for some final closure for some, you know? But I don't think they'd let you ask just anything, he said mine was a sensitive subject. Then I got to open a room... oh-" Isabelle perked up as she remembered something. "A maze. Well a labirynth but Rakin is apparently sensitive about calling it that. There's two sides to it all and we're trying to make it to the middle. Madison... was on the other side, which meant I was never going to find her here," she paused for a moment, crossing her arms with the frog statue nestled in them. It seemed half the stone was missing. "He gave me a choice. Whether I wanted to switch sides or stay here. I couldn't leave Errol behind, and I had to let you know what I learned. As for the final thing-" Isabelle gestured to the frog statue. "I think this is part of the sacrifice. I was given a limited use of my friend's powers. The rest are in Rakin's possession. Which means if you win, you might get your opponent's abilities. At a price, of course. Their life. Real worth it." It did not sound worth it. "That was sarcasm it was not worth it. Nor do I see any worth in this farce. Although it appears dear Rakin is awfully fond of his creation. I have a feeling the elaboration of it all is creative liberty." @Scream | Cane + Uly

As Isabelle explained more and more of what she had learned, and her experiences that went with said knowledge, Cane found himself closing his eyes in an attempt to block out the outside world. He need to focus in order to store the information in his mind, to make the puzzle pieces fit. Struggle as he may, the pieces came together in his mind like shards of glass. Every time he tried to reach a conclusion, Cane felt jabbed in the brain by one of the edges. This whole thing was just so twisted, and painfully so. "The treasures you posses are fool's jewels." Cane responded as he opened his eyes like he had just received some sort of divine revelation. "These 'abilities' you received, they are not meant to sooth the pain of death, they are made to make them worse. It is--" He motioned with his hand like some sort of strange sign language. "--Hadiatun Minnashoe." He struggled to translate, but Cane would not let that stop him. "Gift of spite; gift of thorns. You have been given thorns. It is something given that only serves to be taken away. It rips when it is pulled, yes?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Isabelle gave Cane a look. She knew he meant well but it was pretty obvious. "Are you sure you can't add poet under your belt? Because you really have a way with words Cane." She sighed. "You are correct, though. I have no idea why they'd even bother. Why reward a futile effort?" @Scream | Cane + Uly

"It makes the wounds worse. They gave them to you knowing that they would be ripping them from you later, only to pass the pain onto the next." There was a brief pause as he placed his hands on his hips. "Until all hope is gone. Eh, but enough about the thorns. Tell me more about this maze you saw. Where was this?" @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"From the sounds of it... we're in it." She answered slowly, still hanging on his words. Rakin just told me to pick a direction, so I did. Speaking of, I should probably go check out what opened." @Scream | Cane + Uly

“Opened..?” Cane was caught off guard by her comment with it seemingly having derailed his train of thought. @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

"Y-yes. He said something about opening something. Should we go look for it?" @Scream | Cane + Uly

"Hm, let us go then." Cane agreed with a slight nod as he stepped to the side to allow Isabelle to lead the way. Before either of them could get on their way properly, he stopped her. "And, I am sorry that..." His hands wanted to go through the alien motions again, but he refrained, lest he make the interaction even more awkward. "...--for everything. I hope peace finds you." @Gab | Ip🪩 + Subaru

Isabelle seemed to avoid eye contact. "Thanks... But I'll only find peace once my father is dead." Wow daddy issues. She sighed and stepped out of the shelter. TO THE #tv-room @Scream | Cane + Uly

Lykos had spotted this place as they were walking on the beach, and decided to take a rest here. Now there’s a giant wolf taking up most of the shelter.

(Yay! a reason to use this shelter again lol) Kian followed Jymaiyri to the shelter, looking a bit bewildered that it was even here in the first place. Well, shade was shade, and it felt nice to not be under the boiling sun anymore. "W-Wow.. what is this? It's so.. branch-y," he chuckled a little as he looked over the structure. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"It's quaint." Jymaiyri hummed, the ghost of lightness and humor to her heavy, tired tone. She sat down on the dirt floor, and got Minerva out of the sling so she could rest on her lap. "And it's nice to hear the water from in here." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He gently poked at some of the larger tree branchs, smiling at how sturdy they were. "Mhm.. I-It is quite nice," Kian agreed. He turned back towards Jymaiyri and Minerva and sat down beside them, but made sure to give the woman and baby space. "Is she still asleep..?" Kian whispered. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"For now. I think all the fuss wore her out a bit." Jymaiyri cupped her daughter's head in her hand. "Poor little Minerva..." She sighed. "She doesn't even understand what's happened." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian nodded solemnly, looking down at the baby's face with a small frown. "Yeah..." He softly commented. Kian wasn't sure what else he could say about that. "Y-You must be tired, Miss Jymaiyri.. If you'd like to lay down with Minerva, y-you can use my cape. It's actually quite comfy to lay on. I can attest to that," the boy smiled. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Despite being very clearly exhausted, Jymaiyri shook her head. "I'll be alright." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He frowned a bit at that. "...M-Miss Jymaiyri, I know you're tired. It's best you get some rest.. please. I-I'm worried about you," Kian said with a small voice. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

She was really tired.... "You're right." Jymaiyri sighed, and moved so she could lay down with Minerva resting on her chest. "Wake me up f Minerva wakes up." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The amount of relief Kian felt was visible on his face as he smiled at Jymaiyri. He grabbed his cape and laid it down for the woman and baby, though, he did take the roses clipped onto it and put them into his pocket. "Mhm.. you rest up, Miss Jymaiyri. I-I'll keep watch," the boy smiled. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri laid down, and fell fast asleep soon after. Seems she really was tired. She and Minerva slept in peace for a while. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian watched Jymaiyri for a few seconds to make sure she fell asleep, and once it seemed her breathing steadied, he walked towards the outside of the shelter. He didn't wander off far, only a few feet away from the entrance of the combined logs, but he figured he could use this time to practice more of his powers. He always knew he was a bit hopeless when it came to his powers, but he had found a small new sense of determination. Sitting down on a clear patch of sand, Kian closed his eyes and focused on summoning his power. It felt... empty, at first. Then, a spark slowly started in him. The spark spread like a warmth, starting from his chest to his fingertips, until it emerged as a ring of fire. The flames were orange and red in color, circling at a height of only a few inches tall, but perfectly formed and swayed around Kian. They were strong, determined, and familiar to him. Tears formed at the corner of his eyes and Kian rested his face in his hand, quietly sobbing as the flames continued to protect him... @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (Idk if you want to pause here, of in a few replies, but if you do we can

)

Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian watched Jymaiyri for a few seconds to make sure she fell asleep, and once it seemed her breathing steadied, he walked towards the outside of the shelter. He didn't wander off far, only a few feet away from the entrance of the combined logs, but he figured he could use this time to practice more of his powers. He always knew he was a bit hopeless when it came to his powers, but he had found a small new sense of determination. Sitting down on a clear patch of sand, Kian closed his eyes and focused on summoning his power. It felt... empty, at first. Then, a spark slowly started in him. The spark spread like a warmth, starting from his chest to his fingertips, until it emerged as a ring of fire. The flames were orange and red in color, circling at a height of only a few inches tall, but perfectly formed and swayed around Kian. They were strong, determined, and familiar to him. Tears formed at the corner of his eyes and Kian rested his face in his hand, quietly sobbing as the flames continued to protect him... @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (Idk if you want to pause here, of in a few replies, but if you do we can

)

(im good to pause here for a bit now, jymaiyri and baby are just napping lol)

1

Both mother and baby slept for quite a while, Jymaiyri deeply, Minerva a bit restlessly. The infant woke first, stirred from unpleasant dreams by the heat and the flickering flame light outside the shelter. She whined softly, unsure why Kian seemed upset but happy to be so close to her mom. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian's back was still turned towards Jymaiyri and Minerva, hunched as he held his face in his hand. His tears dried quite quickly, as the heat was immense where he was. Hearing the quiet whine, Kian's head perked up, and he quickly wiped his eyes before turning back towards the shelter. The flames immediately went out as Kian stepped back into the shelter, a concerned look on his face as he knelt down beside the two. "H-Hey, little Minerva... It's okay. Shh.." Kian quietly reassured the baby and gently tapped Jymaiyri's shoulder. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri stirred awake, blinking sleep out of her eyes. "Oh, hey Minerva..." She held her daughter as she moved back up to a sitting position. "How're you doing? Have a good nap?" Minerva seemed to calm a bit at her mother's voice and gentle touch. She smiled, and Jymaiyri turned to Kian. "Thanks for waking me." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian smiled and nodded, sitting back with his legs tucked underneath him. "M-Mhm.. How are you feeling, Miss Jymaiyri?" he asked, looking between the baby and Jymaiyri. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I'm alright. Still a bit tired but alright." Jymaiyri sighed, and kept her eyes on her baby. "Seems Minerva's had enough of nap time, anyways. How are you?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"I'm o-okay.. I, uh, practiced my powers a bit! It actually worked a little bit," Kian smiled. "I'm glad you feel a bit better now! The cape was comfy, right?" He chuckled a little.

11:41 PM

@innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh, that's good." Jymaiyri said, with as much support as she could muster. She sat Minerva up, and began bouncing her in her arms. "The cape was comfortable, thank you for letting me borrow it." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian smiled warmly at that, seeming proud that he at least did something for Jymaiyri. "I-I'm glad! Did you sleep well too, little Minerva?" Kian cooed at the baby, giggling. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva babbled something incoherent, clearly feeling better than she had been before. Jymaiyri smiled, the brightest she had so far, though there was still a tinge of sadness to it. "I think she did. Did you have a nice good nap, Minnie?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian giggled some more as Minerva babbled. "Mhm, mhm! Wow, s-sounds like you had a good time, little Minerva," he smiled in reply to her. "It's good to sleep s-so you can grow up big and strong." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva giggled, and reached out to Kian's face. "I think she likes you." Jymaiyri smiled. "Do you wanna play with her some? Might cheer you both up." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian reached a finger out to Minerva as she reached out to him and his eyes sparkled. "C-Can I? I would love to!" He beamed. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Of course!" Jymaiyri turned Minerva so she could sit in her lap and face Kian. "She especially likes peek-a-boo, though you could sing to her, or even just talk to her, and she'd be entertained." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian chuckled a little as Minerva was turned to face him. He thought her little baby face was adorable. "You like peek-a-boo, little Minerva?" He cooed with a grin. Unlike most people, Kian didn't have two hands to do peek-a-boo with, so instead, he used his cape. He hid his face for a few seconds, before pulling the cape away, "Peek-a-boo!" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva giggled in delight as Kian's face was revealed- cape peekaboo was more surprising than the regular version! @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The prince continued to peek-a-boo for a few more times before finally stopping. He felt like Minerva would get tired of it after too many times. "You are just too cute, little Minerva. I-I bet you would of gotten along with my nieces and nephews if you guys met," Kian commented with a smile. "Does Minerva like any kind of toys, Miss Jymaiyri?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva smiled and laughed in delight every time Kian revealed himself. "Yeah, though, she's kind of at the stage where all she really does is chew on them." Jymaiyri laughed. "Back home, she's got some rattles and blocks, and this one fabric-page book she really likes, because it has different textures and whatnot." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian hummed as he thought for a moment. He reached over to some nearby rocks, grabbing three medium sized ones and laying them out in between him and Minerva. He focused for a second, pressing his hand against the rocks. He wasn't too sure what he could do with them, but he did know he could do something. After a second, Kian let go of the rocks. They looked the same, but Kian smiled a bit and tapped one of them. When Kian tapped the rock, a small fun jingle suddenly played from it. He tapped the other rocks and different jingles played, all equally light and soothing sounds. He had made a sound stimulation toy, it seemed. "Huh... T-That's interesting. Look, little Minerva. You can bump the rocks to make noise!" Kian smiled. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva lit up, completely entranced by the music, and reached for the rocks, trying to touch it herself. Jymaiyri held Minerva forward so the little baby could put her hand on the rock. "Is that... another power?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian nodded, smiling bright when he saw how excited Minerva was. "Mhm! I-I think it's the sound powers I have. I never knew I could transfer it to other things before.. but this is cool!" He replied. "You like the noise, little Minerva? They're fun, right?" Kian said to the baby, keeping her entertained. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"That would make sense." Jymaiyri nodded. "She does seem to enjoy it.." Minerva was still trying to touch the rocks and explore the cause-and-reaction that made them make sound, and profoundly proclaimed, "Ah!" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Yep, j-just tap it like this, little Minerva!" Kian smiled as he tapped one of the rocks again, a jingle playing right afterwards. "It kind of reminds me of some of the songs I heard growing up... M-Maybe the sounds imbued into them are based off what I know?" Kian wondered aloud. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Following Kian's demonstration, Minerva planted her whole tiny hand on the rock, and waited for it to make sound. "Hmm, maybe." Jymaiyri thought. "I don't have experience with sound powers, but that definitely seems plausible." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Ding! A quaint jingle played under Minerva's hand as she tapped it, and continued to play as the baby kept her hold there. "I-I never really asked about the power when I received it. The woman who gave it to me was quite.. elusive. She d-didn't really like me all that much," he smiled awkwardly. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva was delighted, and experimented a bit with taking her hand on and off, to see what the sounds would do. "Huh. Do you... run across many people, willing to give up their powers?" @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

When Minerva took off her hand, the jingle would play for a few seconds more before stopping. Gotta tap to make noise! Kian was momentarily distracted by Minerva, so it took him a second to process what Jymaiyri asked. "..Many of the ones I have were given to me by my loved ones, yes" Kian replied. His gaze was fixed on Minerva, but it seemed distant as he spoke. His hand moved instinctively towards the area he would usually have his cape and roses, but since they weren't there, he simply clutched a portion of his vest. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Quickly figuring out she had to tap the rock for it to make sound, Minerva repeated patted the rock, enjoying its little song. "Huh." Jymaiyri knew that wasn't the exact answer to her question, but given Kian's response, she wouldn't press it further. "Minnie seems to like the music." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The rocks continued to play their tunes. Noticeably, the tunes would change every once in a while, even if Minerva hit the same rock in a row. "I'm glad she does.. I-I was hoping to make something more.. well, playable, I suppose, but this is fun for her, it seems. My uncle, the one with plant powers, he used to make these really cool toys that you could pull and bend a-and even chew on without breaking with his powers. He made a lot for one of my other uncles and me." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺 (edited)

Minerva's out here like bongocat with these rocks. Having the time of her life. "Oh, I think this is perfect," Jymaiyri smiled. "She's clearly having fun. Exploring music, and all. It's definitely not anything I could do. Who knows, now she might grow up and become a DJ." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Music galore. You go, funky little kid. Kian giggled a bit at that, the earlier warmth and lightness returning to his eyes. "A dj..? Yeah, m-maybe. She's quite the musician right now," he chuckled. Again, thinking Minerva may tire of the same stimulation, Kian looked down at his hand, focusing on bringing a different power out. It felt similar to when he summoned his mother's fire power, but the warmth of this power emanated from the center of his back. Sun.. Kian wondered what exactly he could do with it, but then an idea came to him. Kian stood up and hung his cape on a couple nearby logs, creating a sort of screen. He moved his hand behind it, and suddenly, a light glowed behind it with the shadow of his hand projecting on the cape. Kian now made a make-shift shadow puppet show. "I-I can't do much with just one hand.. But, ta-dah! It's a goose, little Minerva! Quack, quack!" Kian chuckled as he shaped his hand into the vague silhouette of a goose. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva watched with intent as Kian's shadow danced along the wall. She repeated," Gah! Gah!" in imitation of the 'quack' sounds Kian made. "Yeah, Minnie! Quack Quack!" Jymaiyri laughed. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian giggled as Minerva attempted her best quack sound. "Mhm! Quack, quack!! Ooh, o-or how about this?" Kian shaped his hand into that of a dog. "Woof, woof!" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Look, Minnie! A doggie!" Jymaiyri pointed to the dog-shaped shadow. "Woof! Woof!" "Woo! Woo!" Minerva repeated, wiggling her little hands around in excitement. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian laughed, moving his hand around in the light to showcase a moving shadow dog. "T-That's about all I can really make though.. A dog and goose. T-This was a lot easier when I had two hands," Kian chuckled. "Do you like doggies, little Minerva?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I think Minerva's still impressed." Jymaiyri said. Minerva, herself, watched with interest as the shadow moved. "I think she does! She's only met a few, but she seems to like them." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Mhm! I-I like doggies too, little Minerva! T-Though, I think I like kitties a bit more," he giggled, his shadow dog 'walking' in the sunlight. "Do you think there are any cool friendly animals here, Miss Jymaiyri..? B-Besides the fish and crabs-" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva kept babbling, and waving her arms out to the shadow doggy. "Hmm, I've only seen the crabs." Jymaiyri said, in a tone that suggested she wasn't a fan of them. "To be honest, it's kind of uncanny to be in such a vibrant environment with so little animal life." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Dang.. Y-Yeah, one of the crabs pinched me and Celena when we were fishing in the river earlier.. Those things hurt," he awkwardly chuckled. "It is quite strange to not really have animals roaming about.. but I-I guess it's strange enough to be stuck in space in a death tournament," Kian commented. Kian's hand then changed back into a goose. "Quack--Hehe." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"You didn't see the big one. It was- huge. Maybe the size of two cars on top of each other." Jymaiyri laughed. "We killed it before you switched to this side, Sovran and...." She took in a breath to steady herself. "Sovran and Yeonai, and I." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian gasped in amazement. "You guys got to a big crab?! Man.. I-I bet it would make some really good crab legs," he sighed, choosing to not mention Yeonaixho in any way. "Do you have any favorite foods, Miss Jymaiyri..?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh yeah. Sovran made burgers out of it, it was so big. I bet there's still some left, if you want." Jymaiyri hummed. "Hmm... I've always been a fan of green curry. Nice and spicy." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

(Don't eat day old unrefrigerated crab unless you want to join Juno sooner)

"Burgers..??" Kian repeated with a confused look. His shadow goose drooped as he turned to look at Jymaiyri. "I-I didn't know you could make burgers out of crabs.. interesting. But green curry is delicious, I agree! Spicy food i-is really good. Have you ever had Vindaloo curry, Miss Jymaiyri? It's a really spicy Indian curry. I think you'd like it." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I didn't either. But Sovran managed to." Jymaiyri laughed weakly. "I think I might've- the name sounds kind of familiar. If not, I'll have to try it. Spicy foods are some of my favorites." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian beamed. "S-Same here! I couldn't eat too much of it back home because a lot of my family couldn't handle it, but I quite enjoy it," he chuckled as the light from his sun powers slowly faded out. "Awh.. say 'bye-bye, goose,' little Minerva. Looks like m-my sunlight is gone now." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm, I know how that feels." Jymaiyri laughed, with a hint of solemnity to her tone. "Bye-bye, goose!" She said, and kissed the top of Minerva's head. Minerva watched as the light faded, and reached out to Kian. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian took down his cape and walked back over to Jymaiyri and Minerva. When she reached her hands out to him, he smiled and crouch down to be closer to her. "D-Did you like the goose and doggy, little Minerva?" He giggled. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva babbled something, and smiled, reaching out to Kian's face. "Say 'thank you' to Kian for the puppet show, Minnie!" Jymaiyri suggested. Of course, Minerva just babbled more. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He giggled some more, reaching out and gently holding one of Minerva's hand. "I-I'm glad you enjoyed it, little Minerva. I'll make sure to practice more and next time, I'll give you an even better show," Kian promised. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Minerva wrapped her hand around Kian's, and smiled. "We're both looking forward to it." Jymaiyri smiled. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian smiled fondly at Minerva, his hand holding onto her with a gentle, yet dedicated grip. Then slowly, he looked up at Jymaiyri. "I hope I don't disappoint," he said with a small laugh. "I-I can't have you or little Minerva thinking I'm not cool when she's older," Kian joked. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I'm sure she'll think you're cool forever." Jymaiyri laughed. After watching Kian for a moment, Minerva turned back to her mother and babbled something, reaching her hands up. There was a sort of whine to her tone now. "Oh, I bet she's getting pretty hungry..." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian let go of Minerva once she had turned back to her mother, his smile slightly falling. "O-Oh, right. That'd make sense. I can go pick us some fruit and veggies from the farm! What would you two like?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Avocado for her. For me... maybe a pear or two." Something simple, that wouldn't upset her stomach too much. "I'll let her nurse while you're out, I wanna make sure she's getting the right nutrients and not just avocado." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian nodded and stood up, playfully saluting Jymaiyri. "Yes mam! W-Would you like to use my cape as a covering while you nurse..? I-I know some mothers like to have one so.." Kian offered before leaving. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Oh- yeah, that would be great! I appreciate it a lot." Jymaiyri said, seeming extremely appreciative of the offer. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The boy smiled and handed his cape to Jymaiyri. "Mhm! I'm glad to help," Kian grinned and stepped out of the shelter. "I'll be r-right back!" He said to them before sprinting off. Boy was on a mission! @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri waved goodbye to Kian, then draped the cape over her body, and got to nursing her baby. yippee! @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

It took about ten minutes for Kian to come back. He came running to the shelter, a bright smile on his face despite the sweat soaking into his clothes. Under his arm was what looked like a clay pot of some sort. "I-I got the food, Miss Jymaiyri! And a little extra in case you wanted some for later," he beamed, setting the clay pot down. Inside the pot was a good array of different fruit and veggies, but mostly advacados and pears since Jymaiyri asked for those specifically. "I got some yellow and white peaches, corn, oranges, apples, a-and grapes too. And some other things I didn't really know the name of, but I thought we could use them later o-or something." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

When Kian returned, Minerva had been fed and burped, and was sitting in her mother's lap, content again. She waved her arms in delight as Kian returned. "Hi, Kian!" Jymaiyri smiled. She had neatly folded the boy's cape, and handed it back to him. "Wow, you got a lot." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He took his cape back, tying it around his waist again as he smiled. "I-I wanted to make sure it would be enough for you both," Kian replied as he offered an avocado and pear to Jymaiyri. "I made sure to get the best looking ones too!" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Thank you. I really do appreciate it." Jymaiyri said, then turned to Minerva. "You want some avocado, baby?" She set the pear aside first, and got to slicing up the avocado with the kitchen knife she'd taken from b side, holding it in a way that Minerva wouldn't be able to grab the knife, even with all the excited wiggling and grabbing the baby was doing. (edited)

11:21 AM

@Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian giggled a bit as he saw Minerva squirm. "D-Don't move too much while your mother is peeling, little Minerva. Look! The rocks still make fun sounds," Kian said as he pressed one of the music rocks again. He figured he could at least keep Minerva a little occupied while Jymaiyri peeled. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Despite the allure of the avocado, Minerva was indeed distracted by the sounds of the rocks again, giving her mom enough time to cut up the avocado and safely put away the knife. "Avocado time!" Jymaiyri announced to Minerva. "Open up!" In absence of any utensils, she let Minerva take the mushed-up fruit from her hands, resulting in a mess both on Jymaiyri's hand and around Minerva's mouth. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The prince couldn't help but giggle as he saw Minerva devour the avocado. "W-Wow.. she really likes avocado," he commented with a warm smile. Kian reached for a white peach, happily snacking along with the baby.

1:55 PM

@innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"She does," Jymaiyri laughed. "She doesn't go this crazy for any other food, guess she has a favorite." Sticky and messy and covered in avocado, Minerva looked like she was having a pretty good time. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"I get it. I was the s-same way with corn on the cob when I was younger. My mothers had to physically take the cob away from me because I would cause such a big mess," he chuckled. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I can imagine." Jymaiyri smiled, picturing a younger Kian fighting for his corn. "Maybe we'll have to roast some up for you." When Minerva had eaten her fill of avocado, Jymaiyri set the rest of the fruit aside and began cleaning her daughter's face off as best she could. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

His eyes lit up at the idea and Kian eagerly nodded. "O-Oh, that would be awesome if we could!" Kian beamed before starting on his peach. It seemed like Kian was not much better than Minerva was when it came to absolutely destroying fruit, because the boy ate his peach like his life depended on it. "Mm! T-These peaches are so good!" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"There's a fire we can use near the barracks, if they've kept it up. If not, we could just start another." Jymaiyri mused. Now that her baby had eaten, she finally took some food for herself, though she ate her pear slowly. "You're welcome!" She laughed. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"Mhm! A fire isn't too hard to start.. m-maybe later I can make one," Kian nodded before he continued to munch down on his peach. He was done pretty quickly, and started on another soon after. "I wonder if everyone else is okay.. I want to go check up on Celena t-too." @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

In the time it took Kian to finish his peach, Jymaiyri had eaten about half her pear. Minerva watched them both with curious intent. "Mhm, that'd be helpful. I can always help on the acquiring-fuel front." "That's probably a good idea, I need to check in with Nora too." Jymaiyri hummed. "We could go looking for them later, if you'd like." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian continued to munch on his peach and gave Jymaiyri a small nod. "Mhm. That sounds like a good idea... Nora is.. uhm, t-that girl in the big red hat, right?" He asked with a tilt of his head. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Yes, that's her." Jymaiyri nodded, and paused her eating to stop Minerva from wiggling out of her lap. "Yeonai was pretty close with her. I... want to make sure she's doing alright." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

1

Yeonaixho was close to her..? Kian supposed that made sense. Celena did refer to Nora and Yeonaixho as her family, after all. "I see.. I-It would be a good idea, yeah," Kian nodded as he finished his second peach. He cleaned himself off the best he could, and glanced over at Minerva as she wiggled around. "...Miss Jymaiyri, I-I could hold her if you want.. s-so you could eat," Kian offered, a bit shy and unsure. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Mhm. I'm worried about her." Jymaiyri said, and that was all she had to say on the topic. "Ehhh, it's alright." Jymaiyri sighed as she held Minerva still. "I'm not really that hungry, anyways. She's alright where she is." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

A little disappointed once more, but too proud to voice it, Kian nodded and glanced down at the ground. "O-Oh, okay.. but if you think you might want some help later.. I-I'll be here," he smiled faintly. "Don't be too difficult for your mother, o-okay, little Minerva?" Kian lightly joked as he looked back over at the baby. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Sure. I will." Jymaiyri replied absentmindedly. She turned to Minerva. "You hear that? Don't be trouble." Minerva only giggled, and looked up at her mom. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian perked up when he heard the announcement. He frowned and looked back over to Jymaiyri. "O-Oh.. there's another fight already. I don't really know who those guys are though. I-I assume you're going to stay here, Miss Jymaiyri?" @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"I'm staying here." Jymaiyri affirmed. "You can go if you'd like, I don't mind. Or you can stay here." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He clenched his cape in his hand a couple of times, thinking about what to do. "I-I think I'm going to stay here too.. Someone has to keep you guys company, after all," Kian smiled. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

"Alright." Jymaiyri said, a hint of relief to her sigh. "I appreciate it, it's easier to watch the baby with others around." She laughed slightly. "I'm not in the mood to watch any more of the fights, if I'm being honest." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian nodded in agreement. "Y-Yeah.. same here," he quietly said and looked down at his cape. There was a question lingering on Kian's tongue, but he knew better than to ask Jymaiyri about it right now. The boy quietly settled onto the ground, leaning against the logged walls. He felt like Jymaiyri and Minvera deserved some peace right now. @innsjo | juno🌻/jymaiyri🌿/minnie🌺

Jymaiyri and Minerva did enjoy the peace and quiet- that was, until the announcements sounded off. Jymaiyri had been playing peek-a-boo with Minerva when the annoucnement sounded. She didn't pay attention til her name was spoken. "Oh, fu-" And then she was gone, with the baby. Bye, Kian! @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian perked up from his resting spot when he heard the announcement, and he frantically turned to Jymaiyri. "Miss Jymai-" But they were quickly gone, the sound of fading lightning in their place. The boy stared at the spot Jymaiyri and Minerva were at, frowning deeply as he slumped back on the ground. "...Be safe," he quietly mumbled, pulling his knees to his chest and hiding his face.

After interacting with Connie, Sovran had started to wander around once more. He had donned his coat once more now that it was dried, and he was just vibing for the most part. A big part of him missed the kid already, and hoped that she was doing well on the other side. Hopefully, she was warm, safe, and comfortable. Sovran entered the lean shelter and immediately spotted Kian. “You alright, Kian?” Sovran asked with concern as he stepped closer. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian was lost in thought as he sat alone. He wanted dearly to ask what Jymaiyri was planning to do when the time of her fight came around, but couldn't find the courage to before she was swept away. He was worried. Where would Minerva go to then? What if Jymaiyri lost? He felt an awful pit of anxiety start to build in his stomach as he continued to think. At first, Kian hadn't notice any approaching steps. It was only when Sovran spoke did the boy look up from his knees. "M-Mr. Sovran! Sorry, I-I uhm, didn't see you. I'm okay, just—Resting a bit," Kian rambled. Sovran.. He was watching Minerva earlier. Maybe Jymaiyri would ask him to watch over Minerva, if worst came to worst. "I haven't seen you in a while. Are you okay..?" Kian asked. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I’m fine, bud, I’m fine,” Sovran waved a hand dismissively. His other hand held some of the left over cooked fish he had made. “Are you okay? Gotten enough rest? Have you eaten? I got some fish right here I’m more than happy to give you.” @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

He forced a small smile on his face nodded. "Mhm, just fine.. I was just with Miss Jymaiyri and little Minerva.. B-But they got switched just now.. so.." Kian vaguely gestured to the spot the mother and child were just at, the musical rocks still laying in a line. "A-And I'm fine, I just ate a little of the fruit Miss Jymaiyri had grown. If you want some, I have them in the clay pot right over there," the boy said and pointed towards his stash of fruit and veggies. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“I heard the announcement that they’d get switched,” Sovran sighed. “Real shame.. I hope they’re doin’ alright.” “Oh- Thanks, Ki, I’ll probably have some later.” Sovran went and set the cooked fish beside the fruit. “Appreciate it.” @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian smiled a bit more genuinely at Sovean and nodded. "Mhm.. a-and I appreciate the fish too. Uhm.. say, Mr. Sovran, are you busy right now..?" The boy asked, gently fidgeting with his cape. "If you are not.. do you think you could help me with my powers for a bit?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Not busy at all,” Sovran gave Kian a grin. “Sure thing, bud, I’d be more than happy to help ya out. D’you want power help in general, or in a specific type?” @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The boy perked up at that and sat a little straighter. "R-Really? Oh, uhm, I-I'm not really sure.. probably in general, since we talked about it before... I got to practice it a little with Miss Jymaiyri earlier, but it still wasn't really good," he sighed. "I thought maybe if I practiced with a bit more supervision, I'd be able to get something down.." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Alright, in general, I hear ya, kid- Kian,” Sovran slipped up. Right. Kian wasn’t a kid. Gotta remember that. He paused for a moment. “If things get out of hand, would you mind if I used nullify?” @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian smiled at Sovran despite the slip up. He's kinda given up on anyone here taking him seriously, so no point in correcting them. "Mhm, I-I was expecting you too. I just.. hope you won't have to," the boy sighed. "We should move to a bigger area. Do you know any good place we could practice at, Mr. Sovran?" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I hope I won't have to, either," Sovran gave Kian a grin. "But I got faith in ya, you're gonna do great. Now, if we want some good distance away from everyone an' everythin', the beach is pretty empty. Lots of sand and space." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

(No one of importance is there)

Boy, Kian wished he had the same amount of confidence in himself that Sovran seemed to have. "The beach? Y-Yeah, that should be good. It'll be a nice place to dip into after working out in this heat too," he chuckled as he stood up and headed out. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Exactly," Sovran grinned. "Nothin' like a dip in the water after some hard trainin'." With that, Sovran followed Kian out of the lean shelter. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

It felt like hours, but Kian finally brought Sovran all the way back here. He felt weak from the head down, but knew that was only a fraction of the exhaustion Sovran must of been feeling. Kian dropped his cape on the ground, flattening it with his feet, before gently setting Sovran down on top of it. "E-Easy, Mr. Sovran. Breath. I-I'm right here. C-Can you hear me?" The boy asked with a worried frown. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Y-yeah, I can hear you," Sovran bit back a groan as he was lowered onto the floor. The grown man was sweating profusely and was paler now. However, he looked relieved to be out of direct sunlight. "Got m-my hearin' back a bit ago- I'm all good." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Good, Sovran was still responding. Choking back more blood, Kian looked down to Sovran's thigh, making sure to keep his circulation in check. "C-Can you close your wound up, Mr. S-Sovran? O-Or I-I can go find Celena to help!" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

(I rolled in the wrong chat but he got a 4 FHDKDJDJD)

6:21 AM

“I-I’ll give it a try,” Sovran cleared his throat as he raised a hand. Light flickered into view above him for just a few short seconds before it faded away. His hand dropped back to the ground. “N-nah, bud,” The man panted. “I don’t think I g-got it in me yet..” @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Momentarily, Kian's attention was taken by the announcement. Another fight? Riki and Lykos.. Kian didn't know either of those names, but he felt a sense of dread fall over him. That feeling only increased when Sovran was unable to heal himself. "S-Shoot.. O-Okay. Uhm," the boy grabbed a fistful of his own hair, clearly stressed. He coughed a couple of times more, a bit of blood falling onto the ground as he thought about what to do. Oh how he wished his uncle or Celena were here right now. "W-What should I do, Mr. Sovran? What c-can I do to help??" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Hey, hey, easy, Kian, easy," Sovran spoke softly. "It's alright. What you can i-is take a deep breath, okay? Let's do i-it together, okay? In, and out. Let's recollect ourselves." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian sniffled, breathing hard as he tried to follow Sovran's breathing. He was so unbelievably stressed. Again, he coughed, but still did his best to stay focused on Sovran. "N-No, I need to help you, Mr. Sovran. P-Please, you have to tell me what I c-can do.." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"Y-You can seek out Celena, if you want," Sovran made an attempt to sit up. He used the wall of the lean shelter to support himself. "You c-can stop what you're doin' with the powers, I'll be- Just fine, Kian." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

"D-Don't move too much, Mr. Sovran," Kian frowned, reaching a hand out towards the older man in case he needed help. "If I stop, y-you might bleed out.. A-And I don't know where Celena is. I w-want to find her, but I might t-take too long looking," he said with trembling lips. "A-And there's that fight going on now--One of us m-might switch and then, t-then what will we do??" @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"I-I'll bleed a bit, but the belt feels pretty secure. It'll be fine if you stop. I won't bleed out." Sovran reassured Kian. He reached out to ruffle the boy's hair, only to stop himself when he noticed how bloody his hands were. Damn. "I won't die if you go lookin' for her, I'll be just fine, bud," Sovran gave Kian a grin. "This ain't somethin' that'll take me out th-that easily. As for the fight- We'll just be careful not to accidentally raise one of our hands." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian attempted to wipe any blood and tears off of his face with the back of his hand again, but really only smeared it all into faded color on his cheeks. "I-I'm sorry, Mr. Sovran.. I j-just.. I'm s-sorry.." He said again, sniffling. "I-I know you won't die, b-but.. B-But," Kian frowned. "You're in so much pain a-and I can't help fix it. I'm sorry." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“Hey, hey, it’s okay, really.” Sovran properly sat up and held out an arm, motioning for Kian to come closer. “Bring it on in, bud. It’s okay.” “It ain’t your fault, I knew what w-would happen. I was aware of everythin’, an’ you know what? I don’t regret a thing.” Sovran smiled. “I can handle this pain, it’s alright, Kian.” @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Tears boiled over his eyes again and Kian quickly hugged Sovran around his waist. So much for trying to wipe them away. He really didn't have anything else to offer than physical comfort, but even then, Kian couldn't do much. "I'm s-sorry..." The boy quietly mumbled again. "When I-I can, I promise I'll make you a p-prosthetic o-or a cane or something, Mr. Sovran." @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran smiled and hugged the boy as tightly as he could. A hand of his gently patted Kian’s back. “There, there,” Sovran soothed. He pulled away slightly to use the sleeve of his shirt to wipe at Kian’s face. “It’ll be alright, son. I got folk back home who can make me a prosthetic, but if you wanna help me get something temporary, that’d be great, too. But don’t feel like you gotta.” Sovran took in a deep breath before he exhaled sharply. “I think I’m strong enough to give that healin’ a try again.” @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian snuggled his face against Sovran, like he could hugged the pain away from him. It was times like these that Kian wished he had two arms still. "N-No, I want to. It's the least I-I can do after all of this," Kian replied with a soft voice. Though, being referred to as 'son' by Sovran again made the boy a bit happy. "O-Okay.. Uhm.. I'll move out the way-" Kian nodded, pulling himself away so Sovran could do what he needed. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

"How 'bout this- When I get a cool lookin' prosthetic, you can go ahead and sign it with whatever you want. How does that sound?" Sovran asked with a grin. "Alright, let's give this another try.." Sovran took in a deep breath and attempted to use light again..

Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

used /r

# 8
Details:[d20 (8)]

.. Only for the light to sputter out again. The grown man let out a deep sigh. "No luck," He mumbled, before he forced himself to perk up for Kian's sake. "I'll give it a bit more time, I'm definitely feelin' stronger than I had been earlier." Which wasn't entirely a lie. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

The boy managed the smallest of smiles, nodding a bit. "O-Okay.. That will work too," Kian replied. Though, whatever small smile Kian had immediately fell when he saw the light sputter out. "T-That's good. Keeping blood in your body p-probably is helping that," Kian attempted to joke, but it was half-hearted at best. He raised his knees up to his chest and hugged them close to himself, feeling rather small. "...Y-You.. you called me 'son'. D-Do.. do you really think of me like that, Mr. Sovran?" Kian quietly asked. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

“You’re doin’ a great job. Thanks for helpin’ me out, Kian.” Sovran gave the boy a smile. At Kian’s question, Sovran paused. “I do, Ki, but if it makes you uncomfortable at all, I can stop.” @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

Kian sat and thought about it for a moment. No, it was the exact opposite of an uncomfortable feeling in his chest. It made him happy. Really happy, but it also made the guilt churning in his stomach worst. "N-No.. no. I.. I never had a dad so.. uhm.. T-This is.. new to me. I feel bad that y-you see me this way and I'm just.. n-not the best kind of son," Kian admitted. Even with his moms, Kian never felt like he was the best child to them. He should of done so much more... Kian didn't want to let Sovran down like he had everyone else. @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

1

Sovran ruffled Kian’s hair, giving the boy a grin as he did so. “So far, to me, Kian, you’ve been the best kind of son,” Sovran hummed. “I’m proud of you, and I’m always gonna be proud.” @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

That earned a small smile from Kian, and he looked up to Sovran. "Y-You really think so?—" But before Kian could fully get his words out, the flash of color sending Sovran away made his heart sink. "M-Mr. Sovran?? Mr. Sovran!" The prince stood up in a panic, confused and bewildered as it dawned on him that Sovran had been taken to the other side... @Vanessa| Sovran+Zora+Cansu

Sovran was gone. All that remained in his place was a patch of blood on the floor. Rippo. @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge

1

After everything Maki ran away to the shelter, digging their nails into their scalp as they fell to their knees. They curled up, letting out a small sob. It was too much. It was so loud and the chance to see their dad again was gone. Maybe they were doomed to repeat this cycle. Doomed to lose and lose over and over over again. Maybe that is why they sought comfort in their illusions. At least an illusion would never leave them, right? Maki slammed their fist into the ground, as they scowled in anger. They just- what were they going to do? "Don't hurt yourself now, kid." Moses said. A fake Moses of course. He was an illusion now. He stood in front of Maki, a frown on his face. "I don't want you to do that." You're not real. "Does that matter though?" Yes. I wish you were real. "Sorry, kid." Don't lie to me. You left me on purpose. You left. Why couldn't you be selfish? Why couldn't you be selfish for once? Why? "That's not who I am Maki, you know that." I don't. I don't know much of anything. Maki frowned at the illusion, scowling slightly. Shut up. "Maki." No. No shut up. Shut up. I hate you. "...." Maki sniffled as they continued to cry. They wiped at their eyes but it was no use. The tears wouldn't stop. They grinded their teeth together and let out a scream mixed with pain and anger as they balled their fists, hitting themselves on the head. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Of course they'd leave. Everyone always does. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. As Maki continued to hit themself, they slammed their hand down, accidentally hitting their mask, causing it to fall to the ground with a clatter. Now, Maki's eyes went wide as their mask laid in two on the floor. Shit. The illusion of Moses began to warble in and out of existence before it faded away entirely as Maki panicked. They picked up one half of the mask, their eyes wide as their left eye began to swirl. No. Not now- Maki stared down as the flower began to be covered in a pink colored liquid of some sort. They swallowed as they saw the eyes reflect back and stare at them. Don't. Don't. Don't look at me. Stop. Please. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

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3

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Connie didn't know where Celena went. Last she saw, she was hugging her brother, and then she was being whisked away. Her family was alive again, but- but Moses- It wasn't fair. The fight was rigged from the start. Rakin wanted her to lose. Moses wanted her to win. He died to let her win. It wasn't fair. Five minutes? Ten minutes? It felt like walking, walking and talking with a friend. She was walking now. What difference did this make from before? It wasn't fair. She didn't know what to feel- Happy? Sad? Angry? She felt all of them and so much more, but she didn't know what to feel right now. It wasn't fair. She wanted to curl up into a ball and just wither away. Moses was gone. Moses knew her for ten minutes and was gone. Moses knew her for ten minutes, and decided he would die for her. For her. For her. It wasn't fair. Connie stood there, staring at the puddle of pink fluorescence and the crying child. She held the crystalline totem tighter. The dog-tags were burning a hole through her lungs. "H-hello?" @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾

Maki flinched at the sound and bent down, covering their face with their hands. They were silent before a book appeared in front of Connie. Dogtags. Don't look at me. Just give me dogtags and leave me alone please. Don't make eye contact. I mean it. The book read. Maki scratched at the floor underneath them, letting out a small muffled sob. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

Connie faltered as the kid flinched, stepping back half a step. She didn't know what to do. She fumbled with the totem a little when the book suddenly appeared in front of her, and she crouched down to read it a little better. The dog-tags. This aching, burning hole in the pit of her stomach. Moses' dog tags. He was a soldier. "Here," she softly said, taking the dog-tags out of her pocket. It clacked together delightfully. "Um, the dog tags." She carefully set them next to the book, not wanting to get too close and startle them anymore. ...And then what? Was that it? 'Here's the dog-tags, bye, I'll leave you alone now, bye forever.' Was that all she could do? Leave them crying there, grieving their dad? It wasn't fair. Despite the book's warning, she remained kneeling by the book as she looked up at them. "I- I'm sorry." Softer, still. Her voice was wobbly again. "I- I'm really sorry, I. I didn't- um." Fumbling. "H-he, um, he said a lot of nice things about you." @Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾

Maki reached their hand out and grabbed the dogtags, dragging them close. They were silent but the text on the book began to change. Thank you for the dogtags. It read.

I...why? Why would he lie? I wanted him to win. I wanted you to loose. That isn't a nice thing about me. I am selfish and cruel for wanting that...

....Aren't I? But he would disagree. So. I am not nice, no. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

10:07 PM

@Aj | Kian+Moses+Bridge (for dogtag disc lol sorry forgot to tag ^_^)

(You're good! Here it is boys) The pair of dog-tags were rather dull, barely shining in sunlight. Both looked quite old, having scratches and dents all over the metal. One was even burnt near the bottom edges, a clear sign of battle. One tag was in a rubber hold reading: LOR. MOSES. B POS. ECLIPSE A. This must of been Moses' tag while he was in the military. The other tag read: VAL. WILLIAM B. A NEG. ECLIPSE A. This tag must of belonged to someone else. Someone clearly important to Moses to continue holding onto it after all these years. On the back of this tag, there was something else written. It looked like it was itched by some sort of sharp tool. "3.24.XXXX tus hlub". Moses had left this for Maki, something he was never not seen wearing. It seems like that meant he wanted them to remember him, just like how he kept a remembrance of someone else important with him. An item of love and importance. @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾 @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"It's...not selfish to want the people you care about to be safe," Connie quietly said after a moment. "And it's not mean either to think that. We're just strangers, we've never met. You just wanted your family to be safe, and- and, yeah. I don't think it's selfish to want your dad to win. I don't think it's selfish f-for wanting him here." She wanted Aldreda to win. She wanted Lykos to win. She wanted Sovran to win. She wanted all of her friends to win, to live, not to die. That wasn't selfish, right? "I- I'm sorry for taking him from you. H-he was really nice. Um." Connie fell silent, fiddling with the totem. She didn't know what else to say, or if it would even help. Maybe she should have lost. Maybe. She didn't want to. She didn't know why she followed Moses. He was a dad. She took away someone's dad. @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾 (edited)

...It is not the first time has happened. Maki sighed heavily. I can't make eye contact with you...but I assume you are giving me a sympathetic gaze. Maki bunched their shoulders. If it not selfish then why did it happen? Why do I feel like this? I don't think I understand. Why am I telling all of this to a stranger? Are we going to be more than strangers? Do you even want to be my friend? @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I won't make eye contact," Connie promised. "Um...but I am." I think. Sympathetic probably was the right word. Sad too, maybe. "I'm...not a doctor or anything, but it's...it's...it's natural to want your family to be okay. Safe, and- and stuff." She fiddled with her hair slightly, staring at the words on the pages. "And...when...stuff like this happens...stuff that's, kinda, out of our control..." She had total control of that. She had total control of who lived and died. But she didn't do a thing. "...um. Stuff that was out of your control. It just feels...awful. That you couldn't do a thing, and that- that's natural. It just, that feeling is normal. I guess it's kind of like regret. Grief. And- and yeah." "It hurts. It- it really, really hurts." Friend? "...do you want to?" she quietly asked. "Um, I- I think that's more of your choice than anything." They wanted to be friends? @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾

I don't know. I could have done something, couldn't I? Maki asked.

I have powers. I have powerful powers. I was used for a reason. I have worth. I need to be in control over my life. It's the one saving grace I have.

Maki buried their head into their hands further. ......Do you want to be my friend? I don't know what I want. I don't have friends. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"I'm...really sorry. T-that's awful," Connie gasped in a hushed whisper. They were just a kid like her! She didn't know...how old, but that would be awful for any one to go through. "You- you didn't deserve to be u-used, that's- that's awful." "I get wanting to have control over your life, it's- it's really important. But life is...unpredictable sometimes, and you just- you just can't really control it, and it crashes with your life too and it's just...not. Fun. It's bad. It's awful. Um...I don't think anyone on the outside could've changed what happened, mmm- you included." She inched forward ever slightly, carefully setting the glowing, swirling totem on the ground by the book. "I...I'd like to be your friend. Um...Moses said a lot of nice things about you." Shy, but a nice kid. "And- and it's alright if y'don't know what you want, I- I get it. It's really confusing sometimes." @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾

It is in the past. It no longer matters. Unpredictable things....sucks. Maki sighed heavily, their shoulders slumping. Maki went silent now, internally debating what to do next. Slowly they glanced up, only one of their eyes visbile. They stared at Connie, then at the book and the totem. They eyed the totem, slowly reaching out to gently touching it before they pulled their hand back. ...Connie, yes? They asked. @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡ (edited)

"Mmm, well- if it matters to you, then it's still important. Even though unpredictable things happen, we can kinda try to adapt to it. I won't say stuff like, oh, it happens for a reason, or whatever- but, um. If your dad's important to you, then it, well...it kinda matters. Maybe. I- I think." Connie carefully guided the totem a little closer to Maki, smiling softly. "Yeah- I- I'm Connie. You can touch the totem if y'wanna. Or hold onto it. I don't really mind." @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾

...Will it hurt? Maki asked. The totem, I mean. They glanced at it.

..I need my mask. I broke it. It will keep me safe and you safe, I need a new one. My illusions can only go so far to protect people from looking at me.

Maki shook their head. Do you know anyone who can help? @Kipology | Nathan 🏺 + Connie ⚡

"Um...it-it probably shouldn't." Connie held Aldreda and Lykos' totems several times, and she was fine. "It- it shouldn't hurt." "You can hold it if you want," she quietly said. "It's what's left of Moses' powers. Rakin took the other half for something." "And I won't look if you don't want to," she quickly added, covering her eyes with her arm. "Uh, but...I don't really know anyone who could make masks...here? You could ask...er." Asking Rakin probably wasn't the best idea. "Argh, I don't know anyone else here who can make solid stuff, s-sorry." @Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾

@Cap! | Maki🧿 + Andre🌾 (Concon! Might go teehee)

(O7 we can timebubble it)

(teehee..ouudfhg nora)

Dad Chat & Itsuki Time

Celena and Yeonaixho

Nora Nathan Naixho Shelter Time

Shelter Arrivals

Calamity and Kiran

Cane and Isabelle

Kian Mari and Baby

Father Son Bonding

Connie and Maki